Despite Heath Ledger's Death, 'Dark Knight' Marketing Campaign Continues
While the world mourns the untimely death of Hollywood star Heath Ledger, questions are already surfacing regarding the publicity campaign for the latest installment of the highly popular Batman films. For much of the past year, 'The Dark Knight' has been the subject of an elaborate online advertising campaign built around Ledger's character, the evil Joker. Now it is a matter of debate whether Warner Bros., the studio behind the film, will alter its marketing strategy following the actor's passing.The viral campaign began early on by slowly revealing the new Joker's face on a site (now inactive) called IBelieveInHarveyDentToo.com. A scavenger hunt and a series of other fan-based games have fed the Batman hype, periodically delivering new images of Ledger's Joker to the public. Now the curious can read up on the imaginary Gotham City at www.gothamtimes.com, or peruse a nightmarish alternate daily paper at www.thehahahatimes.com.
Despite the Ledger tragedy, Warner Bros. recently released a statement saying that marketing for the film would not change. We think that it is an appropriate move to continue publicizing 'The Dark Knight' around the intriguing central villain. Nothing will honor Ledger's life and work more than ensuring that what will undoubtedly be a powerful performance receives public and critical acclamation. What do you think?
From The Wall Street Journal Via Valleywag
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike Shane @ Jan 31st 2008 7:14PM
well yea, i dont really know if they should keep viral marketing going for this movie, They payed their respects on the websites by saying Loving memory of heath ledger, but idk im kinda double sided about this, Warner needs to make money,i guess warner thinks that everyone should get on with their lives idk
Elizabeth @ Jan 31st 2008 8:36PM
I think they should continue just as if Heath were alive. It sounds like he would have been the kind of person who would of wanted it that way. In an article I read he said he had a lot of fun doing this character. Maybe they should ask people close to him what they think.
ganon1027 @ Feb 1st 2008 2:46AM
Well first off I have to say that if Mike Shane is a little double sided about the situation then he and Harvey Dent have somethin in common! Ha ha... and I whole heartedly agree with Elizabeth that it would be what Heath wanted... a wanted... after all if I were to kick the bucket early I'd rather be remembered As An insane Clown Prince Of Crime rather than a Gay Cowboy (not that theres anything wrong with being a gay cowboy heh heh heh) plussss I sugest that a bunch of hardcore fans take pictures of themselves dressed up like their Gotham Idol during his funeral to protest the protest of Westboro Baptist InSaNe picketing idea... i think that would cause a nice stir heh heh heh...
wvumazza @ Feb 1st 2008 6:54AM
You ever think that when Ms Olsen was called that there was evidence in the room and a note to Ms Olsen from Keith, and that is why she was called....Then, Olsen told her to get rid of the evidence, so there would not be a scandal....
Moe @ Feb 3rd 2008 2:32AM
Scrap the movie. Write off the loss. The guy is dead. No need to have his family live thru this nightmare.
kat @ Feb 8th 2008 9:05AM
I see no reason to stop advertising. Heath as an actor was probably not very involved to begin with- To me the viral campaign was about the legacy of a character decades old that Heath Ledger had only just become part of. From everything I've seen and heard his talent added several wonderful dimensions but he was an artist and I think his art will always be a tribute to his legacy, not something that would cause his family pain.
With that said, I do appreciate that the studio has stopped promoting the film for now. I think a period of mourning and respect is certainly in order. I have Never felt more regretful or personally upset by another public death. It's been expressed and I believe that the actors and creators of The Dark Knight are also upset by the tragedy and I think they have and will continue to deal with the loss respectfully.
Heath put his heart into his work. I'd love to see his legacy live on in a well done and beautiful film.